Half way there

I am past the half way point and I think that time is going to go even faster now. I am learning a lot of Spanish and I am able to communicate  much easier. I have gained like 5 Lb. or more already. : ( but what the hay! this is a once in a life time experience and the don't have the same food back home. Last night i received some very sad, and difficult news. One of my mothers best friends and almost a second mother to me, past away this week. She had had breast cancer for 5 years. She is finally at peace. It is hard being away from my family in these times of tragedy but I know that in the end this will make me a stronger person.